When Hickory Grove Division Officers Jeff Bumgarner and Brian Sanders searched for ways to better patrol some of their areas that are difficult to get to by vehicle, they suggested to their captain, Glen Neimeyer, they try the Yamaha Rhino as a new way to patrol these areas. No, not the animal, but a side-by-side off-road style vehicle designed to go where vehicles and bikes are unable to get to.

Captain Neimeyer admits he had some reservations at first, but states, "The results have been better than I could have ever imagined." Hickory Grove Division Officers started using the Rhinos in March and since then they have recorded 63 hours of use and traveled more than 600 miles over foot paths, between buildings, and through fields.

In addition, officers who have utilized the Rhinos while on patrol have made 16 arrests, written 6 citations, made 5 traffic stops, and have also answered calls for service. The Rhinos are also quite the attention-getter in the community.  Officers Bumgarner and Sanders received two Rhinos through a partnership with Yamaha which allows the Hickory Grove Division the free use of the vehicles for a year. At the end of the service agreement the Rhinos will be turned in and exchanged for two new ones. This partnership saves the CMPD approximately $20,000 annually. 

The street-legal Rhinos are more fuel efficient than patrol vehicles and can travel up to 40mph. Officers Bumgarner and Sanders have even added some accessories including mounted emergency lights, gear box, windshield, and a soft top to make the Rhinos more patrol friendly.